Cameron Donald on the Norton SG3 at the Isle of Man TT

With the start of the qualifying rounds for the 2014 Isle of Man TT just two months away, Norton Motorcycles has confirmed that Cameron Donald will be riding for the British company in is this year’s TT. As such, Donald will be straddling a Norton SG3 for the Dainese Superbike and Pokerstars Senior TT events, starting in 19th position.

Both manufacturer and rider are looking to make a comeback as Norton has not seen a TT victory since 1992 and Donald saw his last victory in 2008. That is not to say that the Australian does not have an impressive track record with 10 career podium finishes, including second place in last year’s Superbike race, just behind Michael Dunlop.

As with many TT riders, Donald’s career is a roller coaster of extraordinary accomplishments and tragic mishaps, but Norton came prepared. The British bike company has brought two ex-TT winners, Mick Grant and Steve Plater, on board to assist in development and help secure a winning combination over the next three years.

“When Norton began talking to me about their plans for TT 2014, I knew it was an opportunity I didn’t want to miss. With the enthusiasm and experience of the Norton team behind me and ex-TT winners such as Mick Grant and Steve Planter now involved, this is sure to be an exciting year,” said Donald. “Norton is synonymous with the Isle of Man TT and I can’t wait to ride the new SG3 round the Mountain Course and add to their Isle of Man history.”

Only time will tell if the gambles Norton has made will pay off but one thing is for certain, they are just as excited as Donald about the opportunities that lay ahead, as CEO of Norton Motorcycles, Stuart Garner noted.

“Cameron is a really great rider to have on board, not only as a racer but also as a brand ambassador for Norton. His support, feedback and endorsement will all be really important to us both as a company and as a race team as we look to and we are all relishing the challenge of developing a strong bike and team around him for the long-term.”

2014 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the TT, after all the rule changes and shuffling that has taken place, it will be interesting to see where the chips fall.